What are PFAS Chemicals?
PFAS chemicals are per and polyfluoroalkyl substances. There are more than 5,000 PFAS chemicals commonly used in all sorts of products, often as a protective coating. They form a big and complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been in use within households and businesses across the world since the 1950s.
Exposure to PFAS chemicals can be harmful to humans and the environment. Therefore when any such chemicals or products that contain them are used it’s vital to protect workplaces, people, and the nearby environment from exposure. Many health risks are linked to PFAS chemicals so conducting risk assessments and putting in place control measures to reduce hazards is vital.
Understand more about what PFAS chemicals are, the dangers associated with them, and how to reduce associated health and safety risks with these answers to frequently asked questions.
What are PFAS chemicals used for?
PFAS chemicals are used for all sorts of purposes to create everyday products. The strong carbon-fluorine bonds of PFAS chemicals mean they’re excellent at repelling water, oil, and stains at extreme temperatures. This makes them highly applicable for non-stick cookware, stain-resistant clothing, and firefighting items.
Some common items used in businesses and households that may contain PFAS chemicals include:
- Cleaning products – stain removal products, glass cleaners, and air fresheners used at home or work may all contain PFAS chemicals.
- Water-resistant items – the water-resistant properties of PFAS chemicals mean they’re often used to create umbrellas, raincoats, and tents.
- Fire extinguisher foam – the ability to remain stable at high temperatures means PFAS chemicals are used in fire extinguishers, fireproof materials, and protective clothing.
- Food packaging – some paper and cardboard food packaging coatings use PFAS chemicals to make it grease-resistant.
- HVAC, refrigeration, and heating systems – gaskets, coating materials, and electrotechnical components can use PFAS chemicals to protect against extreme temperatures.
What are PFAS forever chemicals?
PFAS are often known as forever chemicals because it can take more than 1,000 years for some PFAS chemicals to break down. They’re incredibly difficult to break down due to their carbon-fluorine bond. This means they struggle to degrade naturally in the environment and seemingly remain around forever.
These chemicals can leak into soil, water, and air and won’t disappear. People and animals may then ingest or breathe in PFAS chemicals with repeated exposure leading to these chemicals entering the bloodstream. They can remain in human and animal bodies and cause a wide range of health problems.
What are the health effects of PFAS?
Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to various health conditions. However, the exact level of exposure to PFAS chemicals that’s dangerous remains unclear as research is ongoing. The risks and effects of PFAS on humans is still a learning process, but it has been linked to:
- Higher cholesterol and weight gain
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Immune system problems
- Lower fertility levels
- Increased blood pressure in pregnant women
- Developmental difficulties in children
- Elevated AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP levels in the liver
How to reduce PFAS exposure risks
Reducing exposure to PFAS chemicals in any business is important to safeguard the health of employees, customers, visitors, and anyone else. It can sound like an impossible job as they’re found in all sorts of items – from fire extinguishers to carpets. These are a few ways to minimise PFAS exposure hazards in your workplace:
- Identify items containing PFAS – check your fire extinguishers, protective gear, waterproof clothing, food packaging, HVAC systems, and anything else that may contain PFAS chemicals.
- Review the risk level – assess who uses these items or works in the environment, how long for, and the potential for exposure.
- Apply control measures – minimise the chance of exposure by limiting how long employees can work in certain areas or wear protective clothing, for example.
- Consider PFAS alternatives – seek alternative items that don’t contain PFAS chemicals to significantly reduce the risk of exposure.
- Adapt manufacturing processes – if your business uses PFAS chemicals in any manufacturing processes then fine an alternative and improve processes to avoid its use.
Do water filters remove PFAS chemicals?
PFAS chemicals can contaminate drinking water, which pose potential health risks. Laboratory tests can determine whether water contains PFAS chemicals. Using standard water filters are unlikely to remove PFAS chemicals if they exist. However, dual-stage activated carbon and reverse osmosis water filters may do a better job of removing PFAS chemicals from water.
Does boiling water remove PFAS chemicals?
Boiling water will not remove PFAS chemicals. This is because PFAS chemicals are difficult to break down and remain stable at extreme temperatures. Likewise, freezing water will also not remove PFAS chemicals.